Pre-emptive evacuation starts in Rizal

SAN PEDRO CITY – Local authorities have evacuated families living in landslide-prone areas in Rizal province, in preparation for Typhoon “Ompong” (International name: “Mangkhut”).

Alex Masiglat, information officer of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, said 11 families (51 persons) were evacuated in Barangay San Carlos, Binangonan town.

In 14 ports across Calabarzon region, 942 people were stranded as boat trips were canceled due to Ompong.

Masiglat said 3,838 evacuation centers were opened in the region with P14 million worth of relief packs ready for distribution.

The health department has also prepared P2 million worth of medicines.

The regional police have been placed on alert to provide security and rescue during the typhoon.

Classes were suspended Friday in Cavite, Laguna, and Quezon and in some parts of Rizal and Batangas.